A database interpolation method is used to rapidly calculate a predicted optical response characteristic of a diffractive microstructure as part of a real-time optical measurement process. The interpolated optical response is a continuous and (in a preferred embodiment) smooth function of measurement parameters, and it matches the theoretically-calculated optical response at the database-stored interpolation points.

Database interpolation method for optical measurement of diffractive microstructures

The invention relates to a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium containing a fatty phase, a polymer with a weight-average molecular mass of less than 100 000 and in particular ranging from 1000 to 30 000, comprising a) a polymer skeleton containing hydrocarbon-based repeating units containing at least one hetero atom, and optionally b) pendent fatty chains and/or terminal fatty chains, which may be functionalized, containing from 6 to 120 carbon atoms and being linked to these units, and fibres.

Cosmetic composition comprising a polymer and fibres

The present invention relates to a pharmacokinetic-based design and selection tool (PK tool) and methods for predicting absorption of an administered compound of interest. The methods utilize the tool, and optionally a separately operable component or subsystem thereof. The PK tool includes as computer-readable components: (1) input/output system; (2) physiologic-based simulation model of one or more segments of a mammalian system of interest having one or more physiological barriers to absorption that is based on the selected route of administration; and (3) simulation engine having a differential equation solver. The invention also provides methods for optimizing as well as enabling minimal input requirements a physiologic-based simulation model for predicting in vivo absorption, and optionally one or more additional properties, from either in vitro or in vivo data. The PK tool of the invention may be provided as a computer system, as an article of manufacture in the form of a computer-readable medium, or a computer program product and the like. Subsystems and individual components of the PK tool also can be utilized and adapted in a variety of disparate applications for predicting the fate of an administered compound. The PK tool and methods of the invention can be used to screen and design compound libraries, select and design drugs, as well as predict drug efficacy in mammals from in vitro and/or in vivo data of one or more compounds of interest. The PK tool and methods of the invention also finds use in selecting, designing, and preparing drug compounds, and multi-compound drugs and drug formulations (i.e., drug delivery system) for preparation of medicaments for use in treating mammalian disorders.

Pharmacokinetic-based drug design tool and method

In a method of analyzing a spectrally modulated light signal received from an interferometric transducer the value of an optical path difference associated with a parameter to be remotely sensed is encoded as a characteristic frequency of spectral modulation in the received light. The intensity of the received light is measured at a number of wavelengths within a selected range of wavelengths to obtain data defining a measured spectrum. Reference data is generated to represent a theoretical spectrum corresponding to a nominal optical path difference, the reference data being generated for a greater range of wavelengths than the selected range of wavelengths of the measured spectrum. The measured spectrum is correlated with successive portions of the reference data to identify a portion of the reference data exhibiting correlation with the measured spectrum, and an output signal is then generated which is representative of the location of the correlating portion within the wavelength range of the reference data. The method provides improved resolution for remote sensing of parameters such as pressure.

Method of decoding a spectrally modulated light signal

A method and an apparatus for optically determining a physical parameter such as thickness t, index of refraction n, extinction coefficient k or a related physical parameter such as energy bandgap Eg of a thin film. A test beam having a wavelength range Δλ is used to illuminate the thin film after it is deposited on a complex substrate which has at least two layers and exhibits a non-monotonic and an appreciably variable substrate optical response over wavelength range Δλ. Alternatively, the thin film can be deposited between the at least two layers of the complex substrate. A measurement of a total optical response, consisting of the substrate optical response and an optical response difference due to the thin film is performed over wavelength range Δλ. The at least two layers making up the complex substrate are chosen such that the effect of multiple internal reflections in the complex substrate and the film is maximized. The physical parameters are determined from the total optical response which can be in the form of a reflected and/or a transmitted beam.

Method and apparatus for optically determining physical parameters of thin films deposited on a complex substrate

In the method and apparatus, optimum correlation between measured and known values of transmittance or reflectance determines the property or identity of a sample. Three or more discrete radiation components can be selected which are transmitted or reflected by relatively different amounts due to interference, absorption or scatter, thereby enabling fewer radiation components to be used to provide an accurate result. The known values can be derived by analogue or digital techniques, the digital technique employing a model or models taking account of absorption, interference and/or scatter. Techniques are disclosed for reducing computing time by range ajustment, identification of a zero correlation value in a differential function of the model or models and computation of correlation coefficients for two or more groups of radiation components.

Method and apparatus for sensing or determining one or more properties or the identity of a sample

A new optical method for determining film thickness is described in which a set of measured transmittance values for a sample of unknown thickness is correlated with sets of transmittance values predicted for different known thicknesses. A reiterative calculation is used to determine the thickness for which the predicted and measured values yield an optimum correlation. The method is particularly suited to on-line use in a film production process, where the sample is moving and cannot be contacted. The predicted transmittance values may be based on a model involving either absorption or interference. A simple, robust optical system can be used, even when using an interference-based model capable of X/100 accuracy. Criteria for selection of measurement wavelengths and bandwidths are outlined, and strategies for the reiterative calculation sequence are explained.

Roger Foers Dr Edgar

Papers

Method and apparatus for sensing or determining one or more properties or the identity of a sample

New Correlation For On-Line Film Thickness Measurement

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Nachweisen oder zur Bestimmung einer oder mehrerer Eigenschaften oder zum Identifizieren einer Probe